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rented the cottage from Davenant, and Davenant, every week-end, became the lodger of his own tenant.

It was, then, as a member of the Club that Gordon must approach his interview with Mr. Sullivan, and he was not left much choice of disguises or of excuses. He decided that on the whole bluff would pay best. Accordingly, as soon as Sullivan opened the door in answer to his ring, he began:

"Did Mr. Davenant leave any message for me this morning before he left?"

"What's that?"

"I met Mr. Davenant yesterday on the platform, and tried to make some arrangements with him about having a game next Sunday, and he said he'd leave a note for me at the dormy-house, but it isn't there, so I thought perhaps he'd left it here instead. Did he say anything to you about it?"

"He did not. It's not since Monday morning I've set eyes on Mr. Davenant."

"But he was here yesterday, surely?"

"He was not."

"That's very extraordinary, because I met him on the train, and I certainly understood him to say he was coming here. Could he possibly have been staying at the Club-house?"

"He might."

"Well, I'm sorry to have troubled you. Good evening."

Gordon had the definite impression that when Sullivan came to the door he was not simply answering the bell; there had been no time for him to hear